Latest research
Underfunding of Tertiary Education in Nigeria and Its Implications
A critical examination of persistent underfunding and its effects on infrastructure, research and national development.
Read the articleAcademic research & policy analysis
Research for stronger institutions and societies.
Explore academic publications on political economy, energy regulation, public sector reform, education and African development.
- 48
- Articles
- 2
- Research themes
- 2026-01-29
- Latest update
Research library
Every paper,
one shelf.
Evidence-based analysis of the policies, markets and institutions shaping Nigeria and Africa. Search, filter by theme, or sort by date.
-
Faithfulness in Small Things
Why God measures us by hidden obedience long before He trusts us with visible responsibility.
Read article -
Gratitude as Strategy in Hard Seasons
Thanksgiving is not denial of pain — it is a disciplined refusal to let pain have the final word.
Read article -
Why Institutions Matter More Than Resources
Nations do not rise on what lies beneath their soil, but on what stands within their institutions.
Read article -
The Quiet Work of Mentorship
Every Timothy needs a Paul — and every Paul must deliberately raise one. Growth that is not transferred dies with you.
Read article -
Succession Is Stewardship
The true test of a leader is not how the work thrives in their hands, but how it flourishes after they let go.
Read article -
Underfunding of Tertiary Education in Nigeria and Its Implications
A critical examination of persistent underfunding and its effects on infrastructure, research and national development.
Read article -
Consequences of Nepotism in the Public Sector
How nepotism impairs efficiency and public trust, with policy reforms for merit-based public institutions.
Read article -
Deliverance Ministry: A Strategic Necessity for Church Growth
A study of deliverance ministry in church growth, focused on Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.
Read article -
House Fellowship: A Christian Catalyst for Exponential Church Growth
An examination of house fellowships as structural catalysts for discipleship and church growth.
Read article -
Public Sector Reforms and the Political Economy of Anti-Corruption Policies in Nigeria
An analysis of public sector reforms and the political economy of anti-corruption strategies in Nigeria.
Read article -
The Efficacy of Prayer in Church Crisis Management and Spiritual Growth
A literature review of prayer as a foundation for crisis management, leadership stability and spiritual growth.
Read article -
Understanding Heaven: Exploring the Eternal Paradise and Biblical Afterlife
A biblical exploration of heaven, eternal life and the paradise prepared for believers.
Read article -
A New Era of Energy Accessibility: Harnessing Nigeria’s Energy Mix
Explore how Nigeria is leveraging its diverse energy mix, from renewables to natural gas, to eradicate energy poverty and drive sustainable economic growth.
Read article -
Trans-Boundary Conflict Assessment: The Bakassi Peninsula Perspective
A critical analysis of the Bakassi Peninsula conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon, examining its colonial roots, the ICJ verdict, and socio-economic impacts.
Read article -
An Overview of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: Structure, History, and Reforms
A comprehensive study of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, analyzing its historical evolution, upstream and downstream sectors, regulatory frameworks, and the PIB.
Read article -
Oil Spill and the Niger Delta Quagmire: Environmental, Health, and Socio-Political Impacts
An empirical analysis of the environmental, health, and socio-political consequences of oil spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, including remediation strategies.
Read article -
Consequences of Nepotism within the Public Sector
This study examines the pervasive impact of nepotism in Nigeria’s public sector, exploring its effects on institutional efficiency, corruption, and public trust.
Read article -
Darkness Amidst Light in Africa: A Critical Analysis of the Energy Paradox
A critical analysis of Africa’s persistent energy challenges, exploring historical milestones, socio-political barriers, and the need for decentralization.
Read article -
The Effect of Character on Evangelism
A study on the impact of personal character on evangelism effectiveness, examining biblical precedents and the role of leadership in church development.
Read article -
Evangelism: A Prerequisite for Church Growth
A scholarly examination of evangelism as the essential foundation for church growth, exploring biblical mandates, strategic methodology, and leadership.
Read article -
Oil Dependency and Political Instability: The Political Economy of Resource Curse in Nigeria
This paper explores the political economy of oil dependency in Nigeria, examining how overreliance on oil revenues contributes to corruption, instability, and governance challenges.
Read article -
Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry: Origin, Economics, and Management
A comprehensive analysis of the global oil and gas economy, focusing on Nigeria’s commercial beginnings, structural management, and the shift from agriculture.
Read article -
Managing the Activities of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry
An in-depth analysis of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Nigeria, exploring fiscal frameworks, royalty regimes, and the shift from Joint Operating Agreements.
Read article -
Nigerian Oil Reforms: A Critical Evaluation of Policy and Industry Performance
This study examines the historical trajectory of Nigerian oil reforms, analyzing systemic challenges, regulatory frameworks, and the impact of the Petroleum Industry Bill.
Read article -
Emerging Investment Opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector
A comprehensive guide to investment opportunities in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, detailing fiscal incentives, upstream exploration, and downstream gas utilization.
Read article -
Petroleum Economy Management in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Policy and Performance
This research evaluates Nigeria’s petroleum pricing and economy management profile, analyzing the impact of deregulation and macroeconomic indices on growth.
Read article -
The Effects of Government’s Deregulation of the Downstream Petroleum Subsector on the Economy of Lagos State, Nigeria (1960-2007)
A comprehensive PhD study on the economic impact of deregulating Nigeria’s petroleum downstream subsector in Lagos State, spanning 1960 to 2007.
Read article -
Public Sector Reforms and the Political Economy of Anti-Corruption Policies in Nigeria
This study analyzes the intersection of Nigerian public sector reforms and anti-corruption policies, examining key programs like the EFCC, ICPC, and TSA.
Read article -
Role of Community Engagement in Fostering Excellence
This study examines how community engagement strategies drive employee excellence and organizational performance across Nigeria’s diverse industrial sectors.
Read article -
Global Perspectives on Petroleum Products Pricing and History
This paper examines the historical discovery of oil, the global demand crisis, and the evolution of the petroleum industry from ancient uses to the modern era.
Read article -
Stephen Lazi Bags Professor of Political Economy
Stephen Lazi Akhere is conferred Professor of Political Economy by Castle Park University, USA. This feature explores his academic journey, leadership record, and why Nigeria needs leaders who understand economics, productivity, and sustainable development.
Read article -
Tankers and Pipelines: Navigating the Pathway to Safe and Sustainable Fuel Transport
Stephen Lazi Akhere PhD explores the challenges of Nigeria’s fuel transport system, from erratic tanker behavior to pipeline vandalism and sustainable rail solutions.
Read article -
The Algorithms of Petroleum Industry Act
An analysis of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, exploring its regulatory overhaul, the commercialization of NNPC, and the Host Community Development Trust Fund.
Read article -
The Criminal Enterprise of Kidnapping in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis
This study analyzes the rise of kidnapping in Nigeria as a criminal enterprise, examining its roots, economic implications, and potential solutions to eradicate the scourge.
Read article -
3 Fundamental Problems Africa Must Address to Foster Economic Growth and Development
Three systemic issues hindering development and the leadership shifts required for inclusive growth.
Read article -
The Route to Economic Buoyancy
An examination of fuel subsidy to deregulation and the long-term path to economic stability.
Read article -
Understanding the 2023 Regulations: Licenses and Permits Processes
A practical guide to NMDPRA regulations for petroleum licence assignments, transfers and permit processes.
Read article -
The Cost of Nepotism: How Favoritism Corrupts Nigeria’s Public Sector
An investigation into the pervasive practice of nepotism in Nigeria’s public sector. Understand how favoring family over merit fosters corruption, reduces efficiency, and erodes public trust in government institutions.
Read article -
Darkness Amidst Light: Solving Africa’s Paradoxical Energy Crisis
Why does a continent rich in natural resources suffer from epileptic power supply? This critique explores the paradox of darkness amidst light and challenges African leadership to harness God-given potential for sustainable energy.
Read article -
Oil Spills in the Niger Delta: Environmental Impact and Remediation Strategies
Investigating the devastating environmental and socio-economic effects of oil spills in the Niger Delta. Learn how pipeline vandalism, illegal refining, and regulatory failures fuel this ‘quagmire’ and what remediation strategies work.
Read article -
Community Engagement: Boosting Employee Excellence and Organizational Performance
Examining the impact of community engagement strategies on employee excellence in Nigerian industries. Findings reveal a strong correlation between inclusive decision-making and improved productivity and job satisfaction.
Read article -
Public Sector Reforms: The Political Economy of Anti-Corruption in Nigeria
A critique of public sector reforms and anti-corruption policies. Highlighting how political interests undermine institutions like the EFCC and TSA, and the need for genuine structural change.
Read article -
The Resource Curse: Oil Dependency and Political Instability in Nigeria
Examining the ‘resource curse’ in Nigeria. This analysis explores how oil dependency fuels political instability, elite capture, and economic underdevelopment, keeping the nation poor despite its vast oil wealth.
Read article -
The Entanglement of Politics and Crude Oil: Governance and Instability in Nigeria
Investigating how crude oil wealth shapes Nigeria’s political structure. A discussion on centralization, the ‘resource curse’, and how oil money fosters inequality and governance challenges.
Read article -
Dangote’s $18B Investment Unveiled: Refinery Set to Revolutionise Nigeria’s Petroleum Market
Stephen Lazi examines the $18 billion investment in the Dangote Refinery, exploring its potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.
Read article -
Eradicating Energy Poverty in Nigeria: The Power of a Diversified Energy Mix
Nigeria is transitioning to a new era of energy accessibility. Discover how diversifying the energy mix with renewables and natural gas can solve the energy poverty crisis and provide reliable electricity for all.
Read article -
NMDPRA and the Decade of Gas: Maximizing Nigeria’s Domestic Gas Value Chain
Detailing the strategic mandate of the NMDPRA in actualizing Nigeria’s ‘Decade of Gas’ policy. Learn about the regulatory frameworks designed to transition Nigeria from a crude oil exporter to a gas-powered industrial economy.
Read article -
NMDPRA: Maximising the Domestic Gas Value Chain
Stephen Lazi Akhere PhD examines the NMDPRA strategies and the “Decade of Gas” initiative designed to transition Nigeria into a global gas powerhouse and exporter.
Read article -
Africa’s Industrialization: A Solution to Unemployment Challenges
A comprehensive analysis of Africa’s industrialization potential as a remedy for unemployment, exploring historical context, agricultural roots, and policy needs.
Read article -
Africa’s Industrialization: The Ultimate Solution to Unemployment
Discover how industrialization can transform Africa’s vast resources into economic power. This article analyzes how shifting from raw material export to value-added manufacturing is the key to solving the continent’s unemployment crisis.
Read article -
Evolution of the Oil and Gas Industry: Global and Nigerian Perspectives
A systematic analysis of the oil and gas economy. Trace the origin of petroleum in Nigeria, its rise to economic dominance, and the politicization of crude oil in the global arena.
Read article -
The Economic Impact of Petroleum Deregulation in Lagos State (1960-2007)
A comprehensive doctoral analysis of the long-term effects of government deregulation in the downstream petroleum subsector. Empirical evidence on how policy shifts impact the local economy of Lagos State.
Read article -
Nigeria-Cameroon Border Dispute: The Bakassi Peninsula Conflict Resolution
An in-depth assessment of the Bakassi Peninsula conflict settlement between Nigeria and Cameroon. This article discusses the geopolitics of the dispute, the ICJ ruling, and how its resolution serves as a model for peaceful conflict settlement in Africa.
Read article -
Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Petroleum Product Pricing in Nigeria (1999-2006)
An analysis of the macroeconomic factors influencing fuel pricing in Nigeria. This seminar paper focuses on the deregulation of the downstream sector and political reform strategies during the transition to democracy.
Read article -
Lucrative Oil and Gas Investment Opportunities in Nigeria (Upstream & Downstream)
A comprehensive guide to investment opportunities in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Explore data on reserves, market demand, and fiscal incentives across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors for potential investors.
Read article -
Managing Nigeria’s Oil Sector: Joint Ventures vs. Production Sharing Contracts
A historical review of management in Nigeria’s oil sector. Analyze the shift from Shell’s monopoly to National Oil Companies (NOCs), Joint Operating Agreements (JOA), and the rise of Production Sharing Contracts.
Read article -
Nigerian Oil Reforms: The Journey to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)
Why are reforms necessary in the Nigerian oil and gas industry? This historical analysis focuses on initiatives like the PIB designed to correct inefficiency, corruption, and transparency issues to maximize national revenue.
Read article -
Petroleum Economy Management: Pricing, Deregulation, and Subsidy in Nigeria
An analysis of the political economy of petroleum pricing in Nigeria. Discussing the debate on deregulation, subsidy removal, and the critical role of regulatory bodies in managing the downstream sector for economic stability.
Read article -
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry: A Comprehensive Overview of Challenges and Growth
Explore the history and structure of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This guide scrutinizes supply, distribution, and pricing challenges while highlighting opportunities for indigenous participation and private investment.
Read article
No articles match your search.
Research themes
Questions that
shape public life.
Political economy & governance
How institutions, incentives and public policy influence development, accountability and national outcomes.
Energy & resource management
How regulatory frameworks and petroleum economics affect operations, investment and sustainable growth.
Education & African development
How education, leadership and structural reform can expand opportunity and institutional capacity.
Start a conversation
Discuss research or academic collaboration.
For research conversations, academic engagements and policy discussions, contact Prof. Stephen’s office.
Contact Prof. Stephen